Field Note

Staff and interns from the Northfield Historical Society toured the collections storage areas at the Minnesota History Center on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. NHS is inquiring about borrowing some items from the MNHS collection relating to the James-Younger bank robbery.

History Matters Day at the Capitol — Please note date change! - Now on March 5

Due to a legislative recess on our original date, the 2026 History Matters Day at the Capitol will be held on March 5, 2026.

The 2026 legislative session remains an important time to advocate for funding and support for Minnesota’s history initiatives. We encourage you to plan to join us at the Capitol to meet with your legislators and share why history matters to you.

Stay tuned for more information on registration and a webinar in the weeks prior to the event, focused on tips and strategies for talking with elected officials about support for history.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Small Grant Deadline
Applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants quarterly small grant round (requests of $20,000 and less) will be due Friday, April 10, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Grants Office Webinar: Research Projects and the Grants Program
January 15 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Good historical research is the foundation for exhibits, publications, multimedia projects, and other history work. This webinar will cover how to submit a competitive grant application for a research project and offer tips for conducting quality research. Presented by State History Services Manager Todd Mahon and Grant Specialist John Fulton.
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 386-361-3086‬  PIN: ‪420 891 978‬#

Grants Office YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from Minnesota Digital Library News. Have a blog? Let us know!

Collaboration is the keyword: MDL’s 20th Anniversary exhibit published
Just over 20 years ago, a group of leaders at Minnesota’s museums, libraries, and archives had a dream: to create digital copies of the state’s cultural heritage resources and make them accessible to all – for free. This dream became the Minnesota Digital Library (MDL).

Over the years MDL has grown into a robust digital collection of primary sources about Minnesota and its history, formed in collaboration with cultural heritage partners across the state. In honor of MDL’s 20th anniversary, we interviewed many of the individuals who were involved in the early years. We wanted to understand what it was like to be at the forefront of a statewide initiative that set the foundation for excellence in digital preservation and access for many years to come. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• New Year, Same Resolution - Hennepin History Museum
• Experiencing American history unfold at Lincoln School - Jim Froemming-Hometown Focus
• Vintage Cars - Wright County Historical Society
• Looking Back on 2025 and Laying the Groundwork for 2026 - Gammelgården Museum of Scandia
• From the President January 2026 - Danish American Center
• The Tradition of a Holiday Edition - U of MN Libraries
• A New Year, new genealogy sales, and new research plans for all of us - Genealogy by Paula
• Protecting our last great institution - Minnesota Brown
• Electricity Arrives in Rural Meeker County - Meeker County Historical Society

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• 2025 Year in Review - Legacy of the Lakes Museum
• The Claybank Clay Fields: Uncovering the Lost History - Minnesota Bricks
• In Search of German Ancestral Roots - Washington County Historical Society
• Community Conversation About Water - Hennepin History Museum
• Double Feature: Black American Image & The Resonating Power of Music in the Premodern World - U of MN Libraries
• Frontier Soldiers: Adam Hair and Zenus Blackman - Grant County Historical Society
• The 1st Minnesota Regiment at Gettysburg - Rice County Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.

LOCAL

• Collections Assistant - Douglas County Historical Society, Alexandria, MN
• Executive Director - Midwest Art Conservation Center, Minneapolis, MN
• On Call Program Assistant - The American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
• Wardrobe Coordinator - Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN
• Wardrobe Director - Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN
• Visitor Assistant, Galleries - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN

REGIONAL

• Museum Curator - Portage County Historical Society, Stevens Point, WI
• Museum Director - Neville Public Museum, Green Bay, WI
• Education Outreach Coordinator - Chateau de Mores Site, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Medora, ND - Job ID: 3032180
• Historic Preservation Assistant - South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, SD
• Arts Director - Iowa Economic Development Authority, Des Moines, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Freelance Exhibition Preparator - Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie, IL
• Marketing and Creative Design Coordinator - Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Chicago, IL
• Human Resources Generalist - The Field Museum,  Chicago, IL
• Assistant Registrar - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
• General Manager - Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
• Education Coordinator - Fort Wayne History Center, Fort Wayne, IN
• Development and Database Manager - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Vice President of Development - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Director of Events - Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, Noblesville, IN
• Development Manager - Shaker Historical Society, Shaker Heights, OH
• Interim Executive Director - Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH
• Visitor Experience Director - Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, OH
• Director of Events & Tourism - Northwest Territory Museum Society, Marietta, OH
• Historic Sites Manager - Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon, MI
• Collection Registrar - Mott-Warsh Collection, Flint, MI
• Office Manager - R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, MI
• Volunteer & Education Coordinator - R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, MI
• History Specialist E - Michigan History Center, Lansing, MI
• Collections Management Database Administrator - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Human Resources Administrator - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Assistant/Associate Curator - National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, MO
• Museum General Manager - Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum, Minden, NE
• Curator of African American Experience Collections - University of Kansas (KU) Libraries, Lawrence, KS
• Curator of Collections - Johnson County Museum, Overland Park, KS
• Sponsorship Manager - Manitoba Children’s Museum, Winnipeg, MB
• Educational Program Coordinator - The Welland Museum, Welland, ON
• Museum Assistant - Museum of Atikokan, Atikokan, ON
• Curatorial Assistant - City of Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat, AB
• Executive Director - Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Whitehorse, YK
• Director/Curator - Old Log Church Museum, Whitehorse, YK

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Mona Nelson Memorial Internship - Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Willmar, MN
• Intern, Historic Preservation - Department of Education, Pierre, SD
• Intern - Doty Cabin Museum, Neenah, WI
• Marketing Intern - Presque Isle Light Station, Lake Erie Lights of PA, Erie, PA
• Interpretation Intern - Presque Isle Light Station, Lake Erie Lights of PA, Erie, PA
• Collections Intern - Presque Isle Light Station, Lake Erie Lights of PA, Erie, PA

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Native American couple camping by Lake Lomond.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Clearwater County Historical Society.

FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?

America’s 250th Lecture Series: Article III – The Judicial Branch: Power of Judicial Review and a Look at Articles IV–VIII
January 15 @ 6 to 8 pm – South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society – Explore the powers of the Judicial Branch and the significance of Articles IV–VIII in this installment of the America’s 250th Lecture Series. Cost: $5 members/$10 general. Learn more »

The First Centennial in Alexandria and Douglas County
January 15 @ 6:30 to 7:30 pm – Alexandria: Douglas County Historical Society – Learn about the first centennial celebrations in Alexandria and Douglas County, exploring how local communities remembered and commemorated their early history as part of a cozy “Hot Chocolate & History” program. Cost: $14. Learn more »

Untold Stories: WWII & The Women of Olmsted County
January 15 @ 7 to 8:30 pm – Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County – Attend a panel presentation highlighting the vital yet often-overlooked contributions of local women during WWII, featuring Coralee Grebe, Sean Kettelkamp, and Virginia Wright-Peterson. Location: History Center of Olmsted County. Cost: Free members/$5 general. Learn more »

Online Content Session – Era Five: Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction
January 15 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) – Online: Minnesota Humanities Center – Join this session for K–12 educators to explore historical content and source-based instruction focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Content Sessions are open to all K–12 educators interested in historical content and source-based instruction. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Historic Pottery Workshop at the Paradise
January 17 @ 1 to 3 pm – Faribault: Rice County Historical Society – Join Diane Lockerby to explore historic pottery and local history, then create your own pottery piece to take home. Location: Paradise Center for the Arts. Cost: $20/members, $25/nonmembers. Learn more »

100 Years of History Kick-Off Celebration
January 17 @ 1 to 3 pm – Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County – Celebrate the History Center’s 100th anniversary at the "Faces & Places" exhibit opening, featuring key people and buildings from the organization’s past, hands-on letterpress poster printing with Devon Hugdahl, and cake. Cost: Free. Learn more »

BECHS History Book Club – Winter Series
January 17 @ 11 am to 12 pm – Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society – Join the first session of the BECHS History Book Club Winter Series, featuring It Took Courage by Christopher P. Lehman, running January through March 2026 as a multi-session program. Cost: $50 for the series. Learn more »

Gadgets Galore Exhibit Opening
January 17 @ 10 am to 5 pm – Moorhead: Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County – Explore how American homes have transformed through innovations such as vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, record players, and computers in this traveling exhibition from Exhibit Envoy and Heather Farquhar. For more information, call 218-299-5511.

Sinking of the Superior Freighter Western Reserve in 1892
January 21 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Two Harbors: Lake County Historical Society - Scott Bjorkland discusses the 1892 sinking of the freighter Western Reserve, a controversial wreck recently located. Location: Tipsy Mosquito. Learn more »

Polish Literature in English Reading Group – The Witcher
January 21 @ 7 pm to 8:30 pm – Online: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota – Explore The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski, the first book in The Witcher series, through discussion and reflection on its fantasy world, themes, and cultural roots. Google Meet details will be emailed to registrants. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Finnish Sauna 101
January 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm – Minneapolis: Norway House – Learn the traditions, health benefits, and cultural history of the Finnish sauna in this introductory session led by experts in Nordic wellness. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Persistence and Resistance: A Conversation Series about Women's POWER – The Nurses of Vietnam
January 24 @ 2 to 4 pm – Anoka: Anoka County Historical Society – Join author Kim Heikkila and Vietnam War nurses for a discussion on Sisterhood of War, exploring women’s experiences and resilience during the Vietnam War as part of a series on women’s power through persistence and resistance. Cost: $8. Learn more »

Author Talk: Heather Fellin Tierney – If the Train Arrives
January 24 @ 10 to 11 am – Buffalo: Wright County Historical Society – Meet author Heather Fellin Tierney as she discusses her book If the Train Arrives and shares insights into her writing process and historical inspirations. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Conversation with Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
January 25 @ 2 to 3:30 pm – St. Paul: University of St. Thomas – Join author Jack El-Hai for a conversation about his acclaimed book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, exploring the relationship between a U.S. Army psychiatrist and Nazi leaders during the Nuremberg Trials. Location: University of St. Thomas. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Modernist Monuments: Minneapolis Post-War Places of Worship
January 26 @ 7 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: Linden Hills History Study Group – Join Bobak Ha’Eri for an illustrated talk on the rise of modernism in Minnesota and its expression through post-war places of worship. Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Sheridan Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410. Cost: Free members/$5 General. Learn more »

Immigration Studies in an Anti-Immigrant Moment
January 28 @ 2 to 3 pm – Minneapolis: Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota – Join scholars and researchers for a discussion on the role and relevance of immigration studies during a politically charged anti-immigrant era. Location: Social Sciences Building, University of Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Book Talk: Great Many Things
January 28 @ 6 to 9 pm – New Prague: New Prague Area Historical Society – Join author Jenny Witt as she shares the story of her 3rd great-grandfather, Carl Witt, and her family’s connection to the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, drawn from years of genealogical research and historical records. Location: Giesenbräu Bier Co. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Save Our Signs: National Parks, People Power, and the Power of Place
January 29 @ 1 to 3 pm - Minneapolis & Online: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, University of Minnesota Libraries - Join the Save Our Signs (SOS) team—a constellation of librarians, public historians and data experts based out of the University of Minnesota Libraries—for a presentation and discussion event where they will explore how to connect institutional resources to people power in order to protect endangered cultural resources. Location: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, Pillsbury Hall, University of Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Online Pedagogy Session – Era Five: Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction
January 29 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) – Online: Minnesota Humanities Center – This session is designed for high school U.S. history teachers and is also relevant for 5th and 7th grade educators, focusing on effective pedagogy for teaching this era. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Big Chill: Joe Numero & the Story of Thermo King
January 30 @ 11 am – St. Louis Park: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest – Attend a special documentary screening exploring the life and legacy of Joe Numero, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Thermo King, whose innovations transformed modern life. Location: Joe and Blanche Numero Sholom Home West. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Western Hennepin County Pioneer Association Pioneer Museum, Long Lake, MN.
Photograph by Drifter Ken, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Doing History in Polarized Times
January 14 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - This webinar addresses how museums and historic sites can navigate political and cultural divisions, drawing on research and proven strategies to foster constructive dialogue and strengthen the history field. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Historical Landmark Tour: A Journey Through Civil Rights
January 15 @ 8:30 am to 2:45 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center - Inaugural tour visiting cultural and historical sites that shaped Minnesota's pursuit of justice, offered in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society. Location: Minnesota Humanities Center. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Accession, Acquisition, & Appraisal
January 19 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog - Webinar exploring the distinctions and relationships between accession, acquisition, and appraisal in archival practice, including their roles in collection development, donor relations, documentation, and long-term stewardship. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Understanding the US History Workforce
January 21 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - This webinar presents findings from AASLH's National Survey of History Practitioners, exploring demographics, backgrounds, compensation, and job satisfaction in the history field to inform decision-making, advocacy, and sustainable institutions. Cost: $25 members, $45 nonmembers. Learn more »

A Personal Tour of TrendsWatch 2026
January 22 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums - Director Elizabeth Merritt tours key trends from the 2026 foresight report, covering shifts in philanthropy, cultivating new leaders amid burnout, nonprofit sector challenges, and sustaining compassion, with practical tips and Q&A. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising Without the Struggle
January 27 @ 1:30 to 3:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to involve board members effectively in fundraising efforts, reducing resistance and building collaborative success. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »

Revisiting Basic Condition Reporting: Updated Insights and Digital Methods
January 28 @ 1 to 2 pm - Online: Connecting to Collections - Session exploring updated approaches and digital tools for basic condition reporting in collections care, offering practical insights for improved documentation and preservation practices. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions: What's Next?
January 28 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts - Webinar exploring strategies for leadership transitions in museums and cultural organizations, focusing on sustainability, planning, and organizational strength for the future. Cost: Free. Learn more »

From Chaos to Calm: Three Proven Strategies for Busy Museum Professionals
January 28 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Online: New England Museum Association - Museum professionals can overcome email overload, meetings, and exhaustion through proven time management and workflow strategies shared by a small museum director. Cost: $10 donation. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement Guidance for Museums
Museums serve as trusted community hubs for education and inclusion. With immigration enforcement actions now impacting public spaces more frequently, museum and nonprofit staff must know how to respond effectively.

Minnesota Attorney General Resources
The Minnesota Attorney General provides targeted guidance on ICE activities in sensitive locations like museums. This document details responses to federal agents, distinguishes warrant types (such as judicial vs. administrative), and outlines staff training to safeguard visitors and communities.

A companion "Know Your Rights" brochure explains individual protections during ICE encounters. These concise tools empower institutions to maintain safe environments amid rising enforcement.

Access the Guides

Download today for preparedness:

• Public Guidance on ICE in Sensitive Locations
• Know Your Rights with ICE
  
  

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Minneapolis Preservation Awards Call for Nominations
Celebrate the people and projects that honor Minneapolis’ historic character! Submit nominations for the Minneapolis Preservation Awards recognizing exemplary preservation, adaptive reuse, new construction in historic districts, advocacy, and leadership shaping our city’s future. Everyone is invited to highlight work that protects and reimagines treasured places across Minneapolis. Organized by AIA Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), and Preserve Minneapolis. Learn more »

Minnesota History Awards Nomination Deadline TONIGHT
Nominations for the 2026 MN History Awards & Lifetime Achievement Awards are due by midnight tonight (January 14). To be eligible, projects must have come to a completion between July 1, 2024 and October 1, 2025. Lifetime Achievement Awards honor local history professionals & volunteers who have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated leadership to Minnesota’s history community over 25+ years. History Award Program Guidelines »

Forms:

• History Award Nomination Form
• Lifetime Achievement Nomination Form

Introduction to the AASLH Awards Program
January 22 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Overview of AASLH's awards program for history organizations and professionals, covering eligibility, application process, and recognition opportunities. Cost: Free. Learn more »

2026 National Fund for Sacred Places Information Session
January 22 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Partners for Sacred Places & National Trust for Historic Preservation - Staff present details on the 2026 application period for grants supporting historic sacred places, congregations, and community preservation through financial and technical assistance. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Minnesota History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until January 14, 2026.	AASLH Leadership in History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until March 1, 2026.

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Paul Bunyan Historical Museum, Akeley, MN. (1987). View additional photos on Instagram »
This section features slides taken of Minnesota history museums from the 1970s through the 1990s by David Nystuen, the MNHS Field Services Coordinator, and other Field Services representatives during that time period.

Looking For Projects

Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps has wrapped up its 2025 field season. It continues to identify potential projects for its 2026 season. They partner exclusively with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, but if you don't fit that definition, please still reach out, as they look to expand into the future. Their crews support a wide range of project types, including log and masonry work, carpentry, and museum collections. If you have a project in mind or have questions on whether it's a good fit, they encourage you to reach out. They're always happy to explore ideas and discuss possibilities.
Contact them to discuss projects.

MN Digital Newspaper Hub - December 2025 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub today added 2,506 new issues and 23,266 new newspaper pages.

New publicly available titles & date spans:

• Stillwater daily gazette (Stillwater, Minn.) 1941-1943 added
• Stillwater evening gazette (Stillwater, Minn.) 1943-1946
• Stillwater gazette (Stillwater, Minn.) 1875, 1884 added

New issues for the years 2008-2024 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library. 

Hmong Museum Announces Temporary Closure Amid Heightened ICE Activities in the Twin Cities
The Hmong Museum in St. Paul, MN, is temporarily closed effective immediately for safety concerns linked to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the area. The closure was announced via press statement on the museum's website.

The museum remains committed to preserving Hmong culture, history, and arts, promising updates on reopening as soon as they can ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. Read press release »

Featured Book A Collection of Tears by Houa Lor HER Publisher.	Featured Article Minnesota History Victories Yet to Win: Charles W. Scrutchin, Bemidji's Black Activist Attorney Volume 55, Issue 2, 1996	Featured Article MNopedia Arthur and Edith Lee House, Minneapolis Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled A podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota History Organizations Directory  • County, Chapters, and Local • Statewide/Topical Historical • Regional History Coalitions • Professional Organizations	Minnesota Main Streets Reinvigorate your community's commercial district.	2026 Exhibits To Go! MNHS Traveling Exhibits Now accepting applications.	Preservation Specialists Directory Look up products or services.

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